Learning...

[chopfan1]

Hi all:

I love Chopin music.  I used to play a little about 10 years ago.  Now, 40 years old, with some arthritis, I have a deep passion to want to play.  My first goal: Chopin Waltz in a minor (post).  Any advice on practicing?  Is practice on a keyboard ok?  Also, do I need to buy a metronome? 

Your advice..and encouragement is appreciated..

c

[desordre]

 Dear ChopFan (we're all  )
 Sorry I can't provide any idea because this is one of a very few pieces by Chopin that I'm really not acquainted with. Anyway, I think there is no problem about studying in a keyboard if you have a sustain pedal.
 About the metronome, it helps a lot.
 Enjoy your passion and play, no matter what. Good luck and good work.
 Best!
 

[jozart]

Hi ChopFan,
By all means play what you enjoy. Chopin A minor waltz is perfect..also look at C# minor and E minor and also Eb nocturne. They are intermediate pieces and not too difficult. Your electric will do fine for learning the pieces if you have 88 full size keys. When you get the opportunity to play on an acoustic piano you will notice that the sounds are much richer and control of tone quality is much easier.

Go play and have a great time.
joe

[chopfan1]

Thank you all for the encouragement. 

I am captivated by the music of Chopin.

My current challenges, aside from my age and physical condition, are finding a piano to practice on (live in an apartment) and finding a piano teacher.  I want a teacher who will be like a coach (almost like a military drill officer), who will take what little I have to offer and help me to advance to the highest of my potential.  Although, the cost could be a lot.  I have seen some teachers that charge $60.00/hr. 

I listen to the performances here and other websites and I see performances on youtube and think, is it possible?  Is it possible that I could attain a modicum of the talent of these other people?  I am realistic of course.  I do not expect to attain a concert pianist level.  But, just to be well-skilled would be wonderful.

Now how will I solve the problem of finding a piano to practice on each day?  I suppose I may have to save up and buy a keyboard...although, I would prefer to practice on a real piano...

chopfan1

[mad_max2024]

Thank you all for the encouragement. 

I am captivated by the music of Chopin.

My current challenges, aside from my age and physical condition, are finding a piano to practice on (live in an apartment) and finding a piano teacher.  I want a teacher who will be like a coach (almost like a military drill officer), who will take what little I have to offer and help me to advance to the highest of my potential.  Although, the cost could be a lot.  I have seen some teachers that charge $60.00/hr. 

Don't worry about age and physical condition, they don't really matter that much
Good luck on finding a teacher, it helps a lot to have one
Just look around untill you find one you feel comfortable with

I listen to the performances here and other websites and I see performances on youtube and think, is it possible?  Is it possible that I could attain a modicum of the talent of these other people?  I am realistic of course.  I do not expect to attain a concert pianist level.  But, just to be well-skilled would be wonderful.

Also, don't worry too much about talent and ability, the real fun comes from learning
As long as you are having fun, that's all that matters, ability comes naturally later...
Unless you plan on being professional, which I don't think it's the case

Now how will I solve the problem of finding a piano to practice on each day?  I suppose I may have to save up and buy a keyboard...although, I would prefer to practice on a real piano...

chopfan1

I think everyone would prefer a piano, and as you grow in skill, you will eventually need one
But it's better to have a keyboard than no piano at all 
Maybe you can buy a used upright piano or, if not, check your location for practice rooms or churches that will let you practice
Good luck

[jazzyprof]

Since you live in an apartment I think a digital piano is the way to go.  You can find a perfectly fine digital piano with weighted keys, sustain pedal, and realistic piano sounds for $400-$500 brand new.  The nice thing about some of these digitals is that they come with an onboard metronome, pre-recorded classical favorites that you can slow down and study note for note (particularly useful if you don't have a teacher), onboard speakers...plus they are very lightweight (less than 30lbs) and easy to move around.  I've tried the Casio Privia110 and it is atruly fine piano for the price.  I am attaching below a couple of links for the Casio series.  Regarding teachers, if you live in a town that has a university you can always find capable piano majors who will give you lessons for no more than $30 an hour.  If you can't afford weekly lessons at that rate you could arrange for half-hour lessons or a lesson every other week.  Best of luck!
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Casio-PX110-88Key-Privia-Digital-Piano?sku=706075
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Casio-CDP100-88-Note-Weighted-Hammer-Action-Digital-Piano?sku=706083

[nightingale11]

Why don't you spend some very well spent time in a organised way reading through Bernhard's posts.

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5767.msg56133.html#msg56133
(huge collection of links)

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,9159.msg92755.html#msg92755
(m1469s index of the forum)

[chopfan1]

Hi all:

Thank you for your input.  I contacted the local university and found a music instructor there who does private lessons.  But, the fee is $50.00/hr.  Is that high?  I "tried out" another teacher based on a website who charged $20.00 for 1/2 hour, but, the lesson seemed very rushed.

Not sure what a fair price is.  I cannot afford weekly lessons anyways.  I called a local piano store and obtained 2 teachers who live in my area, but, I have not contacted them yet. 

I'm looking for a teacher who will throughly listen to my questions and train me up to the pinnacle of any potential ability I may have. 

Any ideas?  Just keep searching until the right fit/price comes about?

C